In an interview with IRNA, he said that he had a very fruitful meeting with Ambassador of Iran Mehdi Honardoost in which both sides expressed resolve to go ahead with the IP project .

He said conditions in new atmosphere are very favorable for Pakistan regarding the IP and a Pakistani delegation will visit Iran by the end of this month or early next month to discuss matters related the pipeline project.

"We have already awarded the contract for building of Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline which is part of the IP, to Chinese company and also hopeful that construction of remaining 80- kilometer portion of the IP from Gwadar to Iranian border will start soon," he said.